Nanny job description template

A nanny provides one-on-one care in the child's home, often handling meals, school pickups, outings and light household tasks along with play and learning. A strong post is specific about the number of children, your hours, driving needs and house rules, so candidates can judge the fit before they apply.

Post this job free

Nanny

Full-time
Your Company is looking for a warm, reliable nanny to care for our children in our home. You'll plan fun, screen-light days, prepare simple meals, handle school and activity pickups, and keep the kids' spaces tidy. We value clear communication, consistent routines and someone who treats our children with patience and respect. If you love helping kids learn, play and grow, we'd love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

  • Provide attentive, hands-on care, including meals, baths, naps and bedtime routines
  • Plan daily activities such as reading, crafts, outdoor play and trips to parks and libraries
  • Drive children safely to and from school, practices and appointments
  • Prepare healthy meals and snacks, following any allergy or dietary instructions
  • Help with homework, reading practice and developmentally appropriate learning games
  • Keep children's rooms, play areas and laundry organized, and tidy up after meals
  • Follow agreed-upon routines, screen-time rules and approaches to discipline
  • Share a quick daily update with parents on meals, naps, moods and anything notable

What we’re looking for

  • Experience caring for children as a nanny, babysitter, teacher or childcare worker
  • Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid, or a plan to complete both before your first day
  • Willing to complete a background check and provide at least two childcare references
  • A valid driver's license, clean driving record and reliable insured car, if driving is part of the role
  • Confident working on your own and making sound decisions when parents can't be reached
  • Able to lift and carry children, push a stroller and play actively indoors and out

Nice to have

  • Experience with infants or caring for siblings at the same time
  • Child development coursework or a background in teaching
  • Comfortable around pets

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday during daytime hours, with occasional evenings by advance agreement. Tell us your availability and we'll confirm a consistent weekly schedule.

What we offer

  • Guaranteed weekly hours, even when we travel or cancel
  • Paid time off and paid holidays
  • Mileage reimbursement when you drive your own car for work
  • On-the-books pay, with payroll taxes handled properly

Add your pay, location and schedule when you post. Jobs that show pay get noticeably more applicants.

Screening questions for a nanny

Ask these on the application form to sort applicants quickly. They’re added automatically when you post this template.

  • Are you willing to complete a background check and share references from past childcare jobs?Yes / No · required
  • What childcare roles have you held, and how long did you stay in each one?Short answer · required
  • Describe a typical day you'd plan for the children, from breakfast to pickup.Paragraph

Nanny interview questions

  1. Tell me about the children you've cared for most recently and what a typical day looked like.
  2. How do you handle a tantrum in a public place, like a grocery store?
  3. What would you do if a child had a high fever and you couldn't reach either parent?
  4. How do you approach screen time, and how would you follow house rules that differ from your own?
  5. Siblings are fighting over a toy. Walk me through how you'd step in.
  6. What activities do you like to plan on a rainy day at home?
  7. How do you prefer to share updates and raise concerns with parents?
  8. Why did you leave your last nanny position, and may we contact that employer?

Tips for hiring a nanny

  • Run a background check and call every reference, asking each one how the candidate handled an emergency or a hard day.
  • Do a paid trial day with the children while you're home. Watch how naturally they engage and whether the kids warm up to them.
  • Put the hours, duties, time off and pay in a simple written work agreement before day one, so expectations are clear on both sides.
  • As a household employer you may owe payroll taxes and overtime, so check with an accountant or a household payroll service before making an offer.